Aezkoan granaries are of a special variety which falls in with both the climate and local architecture. The bases of Aezkoan granaries measure some 4.5 x 5 m, rest on 8 pillars and their gable roofs are steeply-angled (100-120 %) against the snow. The walls are of masonry with a door and, in some cases, a window. The roof used to be of wooden slats, as on other buildings. The stairs, separated from the building, and the mushroom-shaped pillars which the granaries rest on acted as deterrents to rodents.

Urraul Alto: Two examples remain. In Zabalza, the granary of Estoki, with the same structure as that found in Aezkoa and Salazar, but with a shallower roof due to the milder climate. The granary at the monastery in Santa Fe is of larger proportions and is a communal or “diezmo” granary. These granaries belonged to the entire village or to the church and were used to collect the grain of all the inhabitants. It would appear that they existed in some villages and were run by the council or, if belonging to the church, by the local priest, who collected the “diezmo” or religious taxes.

Salazar: Only one, singularly attractive example remains, similar in structure to the one found in Zabalza.






Longuida: The granary in Ekai, called De Juan, difficult to appreciate as it is located in a closed yard. It could be a “diezmo” granary. The granary of Erdozain is a magnificent granary built on stone arches, reconstructed in the courtyard of the Palace of Erdozain, now in ruins, and is well worth a visit.



Arce:The granary on the village of Lusarreta has the same structure as the one in Erdozain and the famous granary of Iratxeta in Aibar. It is adjoined to a house and built on stone arches.